Dirty gutters are a breeding ground for disease carrying pest, such as mosquitos. They attract bees, hornets and other hard to remove aggressive pests. They are inviting to nesting animals which in turn clogs gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to roof damage, gutter damage, landscape erosion and foundation damage.
Foundation damage??? Maybe it is time to get out the ladder and see how those gutters are holding up.
LeafFilter™, America's top consumer rated gutter protection system, has compiled the following list of steps to help you achieve pest free and problem free gutters this Spring.
1) Remove The "Mosquitos Welcome" Sign
Remove leaves, debris and other items blocking downspouts. Even partially clogged downspouts can create standing water in your gutters. Mosquitos can be problematic on their own. Any source of standing water is an open invitation for these disease carrying pests.
2) Put Up A Bird House
Clean any leaves and twigs out of your gutter. Birds love confined, safe spaces for nesting. Having an arsenal of nesting material in your gutters is a siren's song to local birds. And once they've discovered how cozy your gutters you'll have a sparrow or two as an uninvited house guest. First, get the twigs and leaves out of your gutters. Then put up a bird house that Tweetie can proudly call home.
3) Buzz Off
Most homeowners have dealt with wasps, hornets and bees that like to call gutters home. Especially if you have a gutter guard with openings – that's the perfect dark and secure place for making honey. A completely sealed gutter protection system (like LeafFilter) is the only permanent solution for keeping bees away.
If you're gutters aren't sealed, or you have gutter guards with holes and openings, and a colony creates a corner suite with a view above your garage, then it's time to buy some bee and wasp spray. A word of caution, get the cans with the long range spray or you'll find yourself with a stinger or two as a badge of honor.
4) Rinse & Repeat
You've got the gutters clear...great job! Now, rinse them with a garden house to clean away small debris. Then come back in a week or two for another round of leave and twig removal. It is spring time after all. Those growing plants and trees are going to keep creating gutter clutter all through the spring, summer and fall.
If you're looking for a permanent solution for leaf free and pest free gutters then consider LeafFilter™. LeafFilter™ is a completely sealed gutter protection system. The leading consumer reporting publication rated the LeafFilter™ as the best professionally installed gutter protection system. More information and free estimates are available at www.leaffilter.com or by phone at (800) 610-2906.